I, like many others, thought a JD was a JD.  However, I find that not to be the case.  I bought my L130 from Home Depot when they first came out.  Like others on this site, I have had numerous expensive repairs.  Of course, at the store they tell you it will handle 2.5-3.0 acres.  Yes, it could, if it didn't break so frequently.   On first start up, having been a farmers daughter, I thought it sounded just like a thrasher when the mower deck was engaged.  Home Depot said there was not problem as did the JD dealer who reluctantly serviced it.  (They treat JD mowers bought at big boxes like an stepchild.  They would rather not service them.  And with good reason, I suppose).  It repeatedly severed the wiring harness which engaged the mower deck; 4 times within the first 18 months.  During that same time, all pulleys, spindles, and transmission were replaced.   I threatened to park it in from of HD unless JD took it back.  THEY DID NOT! However, they did pay to have it hauled to my JD service person $50.00 and donated another 50 to the 350.00 repair.  JD would not acknowledge the inherent problems with these mowers even though the DEALERS would!  If you don't believe me, look in the paper any week and you will find more JD's for sale than any other machine. 

My suggestion,  given limited funds, as many of us have, buysomething else, not a JD, you won't be so disappointed.